Flaming beauty: Make the comfort and warmth of an outdoor fire pit or fireplace last all four seasons

Sep. 25, 2013

Written by

Robert Zimmer

Post-Crescent Media

Imagine spending these chilly autumn nights nestled around the warmth of an outdoor fire pit or fireplace in the comfort of your own back yard. Outdoor fire pits and fireplaces have enjoyed a huge upsurge in popularity in recent years as more and more homeowners are discovering the joys of spending more time close to home with friends and family.

A number of local companies offer design and installation of outdoor fire pits and fireplaces, and there are styles and types available to please everyone. From the simplest, most basic barrel pits to elaborate fire walls and fire cages, exploring the world of outdoor fire pits and fireplaces will leave you inspired.

Before purchasing or installing an outdoor fire pit or fireplace, be sure to contact your local city, town or village to make sure these are allowed and if there are any specifications or permits that must be satisfied. The last thing you want to do is spend hard-earned money on an elaborate outdoor fireplace and discover itís not permitted in your community.

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits have many great benefits. While they can provide a wonderful source of family bonding time and warmth, physically and emotionally, fire pits are also useful as outdoor cooking areas, as well as great conversation pieces and selling points if you ever sell your home. Outdoor fire pits can be enjoyed year-round. Whether a warm, summer evening spent roasting marshmallows and making símores or a chilly winterís night with friends and family around a pleasing fire, enjoy yours all four seasons.

The rising popularity of creating outdoor living spaces, or outdoor rooms, invites outdoor fire pits and fireplaces as a natural element in these areas. A fire pit can be used as a centerpiece to an outdoor living space as well as a barrier or wall between different outdoor rooms. The way you design and decorate your living space outdoors expands and grows with each step you take, and the inclusion of an outdoor fire pit provides another dramatic, interactive tool in your palette of options.

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Fire pits come in many different designs and styles. There are preformed kits that you simply can purchase, bring home and use. Many of these are for above-ground use and can be screened or caged.

Some of the newest gas fire pits are literally works of art and may feature long, spiraling or patterned, flaming arms in addition to a traditional wood-burning bowl or area beneath.

You also can create your own stone fire pit by simply digging a hole of the appropriate size and lining with colorful or pleasing landscaping stones, boulders or other items.

When creating your own stone pit, experiment and design with patterns that go beyond the normal circular fire pit you see everywhere. Try your hand at creating a moon-shaped design, the shape of a star, a butterfly-shaped fire pit or other fun, interesting shapes. Planning your outdoor fire pit is a creative process when you look beyond the norm and discover the joy and satisfaction of creating something truly one-of-a-kind.

A wonderful idea is to create your own gabion-style fire pit by purchasing sections of iron gate or a large metal cage. Arrange the gate or iron fencing into a cage-like shape and begin to fill with large rocks and stones. Leave space in the center for a shallow burning bowl of metal or concrete and fill the rest with large, interesting rocks.

If you are looking for something more elaborate, visit a landscaping professional near you to inquire about the outdoor fire places they install. Many have models set up that you can customize and adapt to your yard and living space.